Racial Equity Fund: Community First

While working at the YMCA in 2011, Rafael Garcia was informed that due to an organizational restructuring, they would no longer continue their housing and community development program. Following his heart, Rafael wasn’t about to let the community in need down. 

And that’s how Community First was born. 

Community First is an affordable housing organization committed to keeping low-to-moderate income seniors and families in their homes. This includes renovating historical buildings like the 37th Street School into senior apartments. It also includes keeping anchored families in their homes by providing critical housing repairs like new roofs, furnaces, and more. They hire licensed and insured small, minority-owned, local businesses to complete the work. 

With funding help from United Way’s Racial Equity Fund, Community First has been able to expand career development for their staff, hire a marketing company to help their rebrand, and help fund pre-development dollars that cover market studies and other costs. 

“Although our numbers should speak for themselves, United Way has brought us a little more credibility,” Rafael, the Executive Director & Founder of Community First, said. “When you’re a United Way recipient, not only does it spotlight you, but it lets people know that this is real. I’m super happy with where we’re going. Our work isn’t over.” 

We’re delighted that Rafael and Community First have been able to use their grant from the Racial Equity Fund to shine their own spotlight on low-income seniors and families in Milwaukee and keep them in their homes with dignity. Community First staff also shared their expertise with WHEDA’s developer training, and the organization has passed on what it means to Live United. 

Your donation to the Racial Equity Fund supports Black- and Brown-led organizations like Community First through a community-based advisory committee.

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